Srinagar/New Delhi/IBNS: Succeeding General Bipin Rawat, Army chief General Manoj Mukund Narwane on Wednesday said the armed forces are ready for every challenge ensuring the safety of the country.

Wishing the countrymen Happy New Year, Gen. Narwane said, "I assure all the countrymen that our armed forces are always ready for every challenge and we will not allow any harm to befall the country."

In a message to Pakistan, the Army chief said India has all the rights to pre-emptively strike at terror sources if Pakistan does not stop sponsoring terrorism.

Also he said the Army will pay special attention to respect human rights.

Gen. Narwane took charge as the Army chief on Tuesday after his predecessor Gen. Rawat resigned to assume the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

During the course of his 37 years of service, Gen. Narwane has served in numerous command and staff appointments in peace and field. He has served in Counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India, as well as the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan.

During his career, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2019), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2017), Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal (2015), and the CoAS commendation card for his service.